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DEADLINE:
2011 Oklahoma
Teacher of the Year,
Elizabeth Smith
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2011
2012 OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR
APPLICATION PACKET & PROGRAM GUIDE
OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
www.sde.state.ok.us • 2500 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-4599
CONTENTS
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Program ............................................................................ i
Edward C. Joullian III Scholarship ....................................................................................... iii
Sponsors of the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Program .............................................. iv
Oklahoma Regions .................................................................................................................. vii
Program Timeline .................................................................................................................... viii
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Portfolio ............................................................................ ix
Statement of Nomination ................................................................................................ 1
Basic Data Sheet ................................................................................................................ 2
Educational History and Professional Development................................................. 3
Assurance Statement ....................................................................................................... 5
Photograph ......................................................................................................................... 6
Professional Biography .................................................................................................... 7
Community Involvement................................................................................................. 9
Professional Statements
Philosophy of Teaching ............................................................................................ 10
Education Issues and Trends .................................................................................. 12
The Teaching Profession .......................................................................................... 14
Success Story in Oklahoma ...................................................................................... 16
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year ...................................................................................... 18
Letters of Endorsement ................................................................................................... 19
Great Oklahoma teachers challenge, motivate, and inspire their students to do their
best; they make learning exciting, engaging, and continuous; they are respected by
their peers as well as local school officials, parents, and students; they are caring
and creative, seeking to enrich the lives of their students and build a better future
for us all. Honor teachers at the local level by participating in the Oklahoma Teacher
of the Year Program. This packet shows you how!
OKLAHOMA RECOGNIZES GREAT TEACHERS!
Direct all questions to Erin Gray Nation
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Program
(405) 521-3346
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
The Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Program is coordinated through the office of the State
Superintendent of Public Instruction, Janet Barresi. The program is in conjunction with the National
Teacher of the Year Program sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers and the ING
Foundation.
A year-long ambassadorship is included in the list of awards. The State Legislature provided
funding for a full-time certified teacher in the classroom in order to allow the Oklahoma Teacher of
the Year to represent teachers as he or she travels across Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma State Fair Board established the Edward C. Joullian III $5,000 Scholarship to
be awarded to a high school senior in the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year’s school district. The
eleventh scholarship winner will be announced at the Oklahoma Youth Exposition, March 2011.
This scholarship was established to encourage students to continue their education, recognize the
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year’s school district, and celebrate the contributions of Mr. Joullian to
the lives of Oklahoma’s young people.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
All Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 classroom teachers in state-accredited schools are
eligible for nomination. It is important that every teacher be given the opportunity to participate in
this recognition process. No minimum years of teaching experience is required to be qualified for
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.
Nominees should be exceptionally skillful and dedicated classroom teachers who are
planning to continue in an active teaching status. According to the director of the National Teacher
of the Year Program, a classroom teacher is one who teaches a group of students every day within
the confines of the classroom and does not have administrative duties. Nominees should
communicate effectively and demonstrate creative and imaginative teaching on a day-to-day basis.
The nominee should have the ability to inspire the value of learning in students of all backgrounds
and abilities and assure academic success. Nominations should be made without regard to age, sex,
race, or religion.
SELECTION PROCESS
At the local district level, the Teacher of the Year program is coordinated through the
district superintendent. It is the responsibility of the district superintendent to make sure that
every teacher is given the opportunity to participate in the recognition process. It is important to
emphasize that the search is not for “the best teacher,” but for one who exemplifies the finest in the
profession.
i
LOCAL DISTRICT SELECTION PROCESS
The local school district determines the local selection process and announces the local
Teacher of the Year.
REGIONAL SELECTION COMMITTEES
There are six regional committees that meet in June to review all portfolios received and to
select twelve finalists, two from each region. A list of counties by region is enclosed. The twelve
finalists are announced in July.
STATE SELECTION COMMITTEE
The state committee will follow procedures identified below for each finalist in order to
select the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year:
 Conduct an interview,
 View a DVD of classroom teaching. Each of the twelve regional finalists will be responsible for
submitting a ten-minute DVD of classroom teaching in early September 2011. If the local
district does not have taping capabilities, assistance will be provided by the Oklahoma State
Department of Education (each finalist may view previous Oklahoma Teacher of the Year videos
upon request), and
 Recommend the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year to the State Superintendent.
STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
The State Superintendent announces in September the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year who
will serve as the Oklahoma Ambassador of Teaching.
The State Superintendent presents the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year to the State Board of
Education.
The State Superintendent nominates the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year to the Council of
Chief State School Officers National Teacher of the Year Program in November.
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR RECOGNITION
The Oklahoma Teacher of the Year serves as Oklahoma Ambassador of Teaching,
representing Oklahoma in the national competition by sharing knowledge and resources with fellow
educators around the state and encouraging education as a profession.
ii
EDWARD C. JOULLIAN III SCHOLARSHIP
As chairman of the State Fair Board of Directors for ten years, Edward C.
Joullian III honorably served the state of Oklahoma. As a founder of the
partnership between the Teacher of the Year program and the Oklahoma State
Fair, he has shown his dedication to the education of the children of this great
state. The Edward C. Joullian III Scholarship was established by the State Fair
Board to encourage students to continue their education, recognize the State
Teacher of the Year’s school district, and celebrate the contributions of Mr.
Joullian to the lives of Oklahoma’s young people.
In 1998, the $5,000 scholarship was unveiled during the State Teacher of
the Year recognition ceremony and is awarded annually during the Oklahoma
Youth Exposition to a graduating senior from the Teacher of the Year’s school
district. It is awarded based upon a student’s overall scholastic, leadership,
and civic potential.
2010 Scholarship Winner
Taylor Elise Johnson
Edison Preparatory High School, Tulsa Public Schools
Previous Winners
2009 Alejandra Campos, Northwest Classen High School, Oklahoma City Public Schools
2008 Ashley Dea Owens, Shawnees High School, Shawnee Public Schools
2007 John Hammons, Muskogee High School, Muskogee Public Schools
2006 Thelma Ramirez, Classen School of Advanced Studies, Oklahoma City Public Schools
2005 Tiffany Romasanta, Grove High School, Grove Public Schools
2004 Angela Jefferson, Muskogee High School, Muskogee Public Schools
2003 Amber Lynn Allison, Union High School, Union Public Schools
2002 Adam Moss, Charles Page High School, Sand Springs Public Schools
2001 Ike Akinwande, Southeast High School, Oklahoma City Public Schools
2000 Magdalena Jurkiewicz, Bartlesville High School, Bartlesville Public Schools
1999 Jamie Ann Mathew, Jenks High School, Jenks Public Schools
iii
SPONSORS OF THE
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
GOLD SPONSORS
American Fidelity Educational Services/Oklahoma City Thunder
Two courtside tickets to Oklahoma City Thunder game and on-floor recognition (finalists)
$2,500 tuition credit toward graduate classes, certification program, or professional development
$500 credit for a “Classroom Make-Over”
Two tickets to four home Oklahoma City Thunder basketball games
On-floor recognition at one Oklahoma City Thunder game
Two appearances with Oklahoma City Thunder players at “Read to Achieve” presentations in schools
(state teacher)
eInstruction™
32-pad Classroom Performance System (CPS) valued at $4,000, Mobi interactive tablet
(state teacher)
Masonic Foundation of Oklahoma
$5,000 award (state teacher)
$5,000 award (state teacher’s district)
$1,000 award (finalists)
Personalized Certificates (local teachers of the year)
Luncheon for State Selection Committee and 12 finalists
Oklahoma Schools Insurance Group
Laptop computer (state teacher)
Oklahoma State Fair
Ceremony/brunch, State Fair admission, and certificates of acknowledgment,
(state teacher, finalists, and local teachers of the year)
acrylic apples (finalists)
Framed certificate (state teacher)
Oklahoma State Fair Board
$5,000 Edward C. Joullian III Scholarship
(High School Senior from state teacher’s school district)
SMART™ Technologies
One-year school site license for SMART Ideas™ concept-mapping software
One session of professional development for 5-20 educators within Honoree’s school (finalists)
SMART Board™ 680 with Unifi™ 45 projector
SMART document camera, Notebook software
Unlimited school site license for SMART Ideas concept-mapping software
AirLiner™ wireless slate
Two-year, five-user subscription for Bridgit™ conferencing software
Computer lab license for SynchronEyes™ classroom management software
Senteo™ interactive response system (one class set—32 units)
(state teacher)
SMARTer Kids™ Foundation
Full-day group technology training
Six-hour small group workshop
One seat in a SMART™ Master Training Event each year for five years
(state teacher)
John Vance Auto Group with the Oklahoma State Fair
Use of a Ford Escape for one year (state teacher)
iv
SILVER SPONSORS
American Fidelity Educational Services
$100 gift card, collection of gifts
(finalists)
$1,000 gift card, collection of gifts
The Teacher’s Desk, Greg Burns print
(state teacher)
Marvin Stokes Endowed Lecture at East Central University
$1,750 stipend (state teacher)
Oklahoma Education Association
One year of professional services (state teacher)
Luncheon, trophy (finalists)
Trophy (state teacher, finalists)
Professional Oklahoma Educators
One year of professional services, commemorative plaque, bouquet of roses
(state teacher)
Commemorative plaques (finalists)
Travel mugs (teachers of the year)
Stillwater National Bank and Trust
$1,000 cash award (state teacher)
BRONZE SPONSORS
American Federation of Teachers - Oklahoma
$500 cash award and one-year honorary membership (state teacher)
Midwest Trophy Manufacturing Company
Teacher of the Year crystal trophy award (state teacher)
National State Teachers of the Year, Oklahoma Chapter
Diamond Teacher of the Year lapel pin (state teacher)
Oklahoma City National Memorial
Commemorative gifts (finalists)
Oklahoma Educators Credit Union
Tote bags (local teachers of the year)
Oklahoma Zoological Society
One-year family membership to the Oklahoma City Zoo (finalists)
Gift basket and one-year family membership (state teacher)
Oklahoma Historical Society
Family membership (finalists)
Book: “Images of History” by Bob Blackburn and Jim Argo and friend membership (state teacher)
v
UNIVERSITY TUITION WAIVERS
Northeastern State University
36 hours graduate tuition wavier (state teacher)
Oklahoma State University
36 hours graduate tuition waiver (state teacher)
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
$500 tuition waiver (teachers of the year)
$3,000 tuition waiver (state teacher)
University of Central Oklahoma
36 hours graduate tuition waiver (state teacher)
University of Oklahoma
36 hours graduate tuition waiver,
16 hours undergraduate tuition waiver for son/daughter or local student
(state teacher)
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
Full tuition waiver for one academic year for son/daughter or local student
(state teacher)
NATIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR SPONSORS
Council of Chief State School Officers
ING Foundation
Target
vi
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
REGIONS
(REVISED IN 2009)
vii
Beckham Jackson
Caddo Jefferson
Carter Kiowa
Cleveland Love
Comanche McClain
Cotton Stephens
Grady Tillman
Greer Washita
Harmon
SOUTHWEST—III
Oklahoma County
SOUTH CENTRAL—II
NORTHWEST—I
Alfalfa Kay
Beaver Kingfisher
Blaine Logan
Canadian Major
Cimarron Noble
Custer Roger Mills
Dewey Payne
Ellis Texas
Garfield Woods
Grant Woodward
Harper
Adair Okmulgee
Cherokee Osage
Craig Ottawa
Creek Pawnee
Delaware Rogers
Lincoln Wagoner
Mayes Washington
Muskogee
Nowata
Okfuskee
NORTHEAST—IV
NORTH CENTRAL—V
Tulsa County
SOUTHEAST—VI
Atoka Marshall
Bryan McCurtain
Choctaw McIntosh
Coal Murray
Garvin Pittsburg
Haskell Pontotoc
Hughes Pottawatomie
Johnston Pushmataha
Latimer Seminole
LeFlore Sequoyah
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
2012
PROGRAM TIMELINE
June 3, 2011 2012 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year nominations closed.
Portfolios must be postmarked or delivered by this date.
June 2011 Regional Selection Committee meeting
Twelve finalists selected.
July 2011 Twelve finalists and superintendents introduced.
September 2011 State Selection Committee meeting
Twelve finalists participate in two interviews and one round table panel at
State Department of Education for selection of Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.
September 2011 2012 Recognition Ceremony—State Fair—Oklahoma City
All nominees recognized.
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year announced.
September 2011 - Oklahoma Teacher of the Year serves as Oklahoma Ambassador of
September 2012 Teaching
November 2011 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year nominated to National Teacher of the Year
Program
Portfolio due in Washington, D.C.
March 2012 Oklahoma Youth Exposition—State Fair—Oklahoma City
Edward C. Joullian III Scholarship awarded to a high school senior in the
school district of the reigning Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.
Direct all questions to Erin Gray Nation
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Program
(405) 521-3346
viii
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
2012
PORTFOLIO
To participate for recognition only, submit items 1, 2, and 4. A binder/notebook is not required.
To participate for state competition, submit all items in portfolio form. The portfolio must be on 8 1/2-
by 11-inch paper, placed in a binder/notebook, and organized in numerical order. All essay sections
must be typed in 12-point standard font (i.e. Arial, Verdana, Times New Roman), double-spaced with one
-inch margins around each page. You may include dividers; however, photographs or other information
included in the portfolio will not affect judging. Judges request that you follow instructions carefully
and maintain a professional format. The portfolio must include the following:
1. Statement of Nomination from the local school district, signed by the superintendent—Form enclosed.
2. Basic Data Sheet—Form enclosed.
3. Educational History and Professional Development Activities—List and date your participation in
professional organizations, service on committees, commissions, task forces, and presentations.
(Limit response to two [2] double-spaced page.)
4. Assurance Statement signed by the superintendent—Form enclosed.
5. A photograph—One (1) photo of yourself suitable for publication and press release. A 5– by 7–inch
size is required by the National Teacher of the Year program. Please do not adhere picture to the
page. Color photos are preferable to black and white. A professional-style photograph is
recommended by the judges.
6. Professional Biography—What were the factors that influenced you to become a teacher? Describe
what you consider to be your greatest contributions and accomplishments in education.
(Limit response to two [2] double-spaced pages.)
7. Community Involvement—Describe your commitment to your community though service-oriented
activities including volunteer work, civic responsibilities, and other group activities. (Limit response
to one [1] double-spaced page.)
8. Professional Statements written by the nominee.
A. State your Philosophy of Teaching—Describe your personal feelings and beliefs about
teaching, including your own ideas of what makes an outstanding teacher. Describe the
rewards you find in teaching. How are your beliefs about teaching demonstrated in your
personal teaching style? (Limit response to two [2] double-spaced pages.)
B. Education Issues and Trends—What do you consider to be the major public education issues
today? Address one in depth, outlining possible causes, effects, and resolutions. (Limit
response to two [2] double-spaced pages.)
C. The Teaching Profession—What do you do to strengthen and improve the teaching
profession? What is and/or what should be the basis for accountability in the teaching
profession? (Limit response to two [2] double-spaced pages.)
ix
D. Success Story in Oklahoma—Identify an initiative that has increased student learning in your
district/school and describe why you think it has been successful. (Limit response to two
[2] double-spaced pages.)
9. Oklahoma Teacher of the Year—As the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, you would serve as a
spokesperson and representative for the entire teaching profession. What would be your message?
What would you communicate to professional educators and to the general public? (Limit response
to one [1] double-spaced page.)
10. Letters of Endorsement—At least three (3), no more than six (6) letters, supporting your nomination
from superintendents, principals, colleagues, parents, students, or civic leaders. (Each letter should
be a maximum of one [1] page.)
Judges strongly recommend that you have your work edited carefully by an objective individual.
Grammatical mistakes do affect how the portfolio is judged.
An electronic version of the documents is available at <http://www.sde.state.ok.us>. Click on “Site
Index” at the top of the homepage. Select “T” for “Teacher of the Year,” then choose “Teacher of the
Year Process.”
Please do not include additional materials other than those listed.
DVDS are not to be submitted until selected as a Finalist.
DIRECTIONS FOR SUBMITTING PORTFOLIO
Portfolios must be received by or postmarked no later than Friday, June 3, 2011.
Submit one original portfolio to:
Direct questions to:
*Note: Portfolios may then be picked up at the Teacher of the Year Ceremony in September. All
portfolios that are not picked up will be mailed to the Local District Teacher of the Year in October.
x
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Program
Oklahoma State Department of Education
2500 North Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 213
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-4599
Erin Gray Nation
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Program
Oklahoma State Department of Education
Phone: (405) 521-3346
E-mail: <Erin_Nation@sde.state.ok.us>
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
2012
STATEMENT OF NOMINATION
The _____________________________________________ School District in the
(Name of School District)
County of ______________________________________________________________________________
(Name of County)
places the following teacher in nomination for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year for 2012.
Nominee’s Name Mr. / Ms. / Dr. ____________________________________________________
Circle Title First Last
School Site Name _________________________________________________________________
Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, or High School
School Address ___________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address
___________________________________________________________________
City Zip Code
School Phone ____________________________________________________________________
Area Code
Newspaper where you would like your Teacher of the Year ceremony picture sent:
________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Superintendent
_____________________________________________________
Date
1
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
2012
BASIC DATA SHEET
Please only use the form provided. An electronic copy can be found at < http://www.sde.state.ok.us>.
Click on “Site Index” at the top of the homepage. Select “T” for “Teacher of the Year,” then choose
“Teacher of the Year Process.”
Name of Nominee Mr. / Ms. / Dr._____________________________________ Region (circle) I II III IV V VI
Circle Title
Home Phone Number (______)____________________ Cell Phone Number (______)____________________
Home Address __________________________________________________________________________________
Street Address City/State Zip Code
School E-mail Address ___________________________________________________________________________
Summer E-mail Address __________________________________________________________________________
Achieved National Board Certification ____ Yes ____ No ____ In Process
List Area(s) of National Board Certification _______________________________________________________
School Site Name ______________________________________ School Site Level(s) _____________________
Grade Level Taught ____________________________________
Subject(s) _______________________________________________________________________________________
Years in Present Position _______________________________ Total Years of Experience ______________
Name of Superintendent Mr. / Ms. / Dr.___________________________________________________________
Circle Title First Last
Superintendent��s Summer Phone Number (______)____________________
Name of Principal Mr. / Ms. / Dr.__________________________________________________________________
Circle Title First Last
Principal’s Summer Phone Number (______)____________________
2
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION (LIST MOST RECENT FIRST)
Name of College or University Dates Attended Degree Earned (i.e., B.A. in Math)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Name of High School Attended City/State
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
EMPLOYMENT RECORD OF SERVICE (LIST MOST RECENT FIRST)
Name of School District Position Held Dates
(Include Grade Level and Subject Area)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS (LIST MOST RECENT FIRST)
Name Position Held Dates
(Include Offices held and other relevant activities)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
3
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (PAGE 2)
LEADERSHIP IN STAFF DEVELOPMENT (LIST MOST RECENT FIRST)
Title Position Held Dates
(Include Leadership in the training of future teachers)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
AWARDS AND OTHER RECOGNITION OF TEACHING
(LIST MOST RECENT FIRST)
Title Dates
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
I hereby give my permission that any or all of the materials/DVD may be shared with persons
interested in promoting the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Program.
Signature __________________________________________________________
4
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
2012
ASSURANCE STATEMENT
The undersigned hereby assures that ______________________________________________________
is a full-time classroom teacher without administrative duties who expects to continue in an active
teaching position in the _______________________________________________ School District during the
2011-2012 school year.
It is understood that if our local teacher of the year is selected to be a finalist, he/she will be
required to submit a DVD, not to exceed ten (10) minutes of classroom teaching, and attend
interview sessions with the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Selection Committee to be held at the
Oklahoma State Department of Education, Oliver Hodge Education Building, Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma in September 2011.
In addition, Oklahoma’s Teacher of the Year will also be Oklahoma’s Ambassador of
Teaching. As Ambassador, the teacher will share his or her knowledge and resources with fellow
educators around the state. It is understood that if our local teacher of the year is selected as
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, he/she will be released from his/her classroom duties. The State
Legislature has funded the Oklahoma Ambassador of Teaching position to provide for a full-time
certified teacher for the boys and girls in the classroom of Oklahoma’s Teacher of the Year.
_____________________________________________________________
Superintendent’s Signature
_____________________________________________________________
School District Name
_____________________________________________________________
Date
5
PHOTOGRAPH
One (1) photo of yourself suitable for publication; a 5– by 7-inch size is required by the
National Teacher of the year program. Please do not adhere picture to the page.
6
PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY—(Limit your response to two [2] double-s paced pages.)
What were the factors that influenced you to become a teacher? Describe what you consider
to be your greatest contributions and accomplishments in education.
7
PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY (PAGE 2)
8
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT—(Limit your response to one [1] double-s paced page.)
Describe your commitment to your community through service-oriented activities including
volunteer work, civic responsibilities, and other group activities.
9
PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING—(Limit your response to two [2] double- spaced pages.)
Describe your personal feelings and beliefs about teaching, including your own ideas of what
makes an outstanding teacher. Describe the rewards you find in teaching. How are your
beliefs about teaching demonstrated in your personal teaching style?
10
PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING (PAGE 2)
11
EDUCATION ISSUES AND TRENDS—(Limit your response to two [2] double- spaced pages.)
What do you consider to be the major public education issues today? Address one in-depth,
outlining possible causes, effects, and resolutions.
12
EDUCATION ISSUES AND TRENDS (PAGE 2)
13
THE TEACHING PROFESSION—(Limit your response to two [2] double-s paced pages.)
What do you do to strengthen and improve the teaching profession? What is and/or what
should be the basis for accountability in the teaching profession?
14
THE TEACHING PROFESSION (PAGE 2)
15
SUCCESS STORY IN OKLAHOMA—(Limit your response to two [2] double- spaced pages.)
Identify an initiative that has increased student learning in your district/school. Describe
why you think it has been successful.
16
SUCCESS STORY IN OKLAHOMA (PAGE 2)
17
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR—(Limit your response to one [1] double- spaced page.)
As Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, you would serve as a spokesperson and representative for
the entire teaching profession. What would be your message? What would you
communicate to professional educators and to the general public?
18
LETTERS OF ENDORSEMENT—(Each a maximum of one [1] page.)
Include at least three (3), no more than six (6) letters, supporting your nomination from
superintendents, principals, administrators, colleagues, parents, students/former students,
or civic leaders.
19
LETTERS OF ENDORSEMENT
(Each a maximum of one [1] page.)
20
LETTERS OF ENDORSEMENT
(Each a maximum of one [1] page.)
21
2011 Elizabeth Smith, Byng
2010 Brian Grimm, Tulsa
2009 Heather Sparks, Oklahoma City
2008 Stephanie Canada, Shawnee
2007 Linda-Hasler Reid, Muskogee
2006 Robyn Hilger, Oklahoma City
2005 Susan Illgen, Grove
2004 Cindy Ball, Muskogee
2003 James Kerr, Union
2002 Mike Bynum, Sand Springs
2001 Talita DeNegri, Oklahoma City
2000 Mitsuye Conover, Bartlesville
1999 Lynn Peacher, Jenks
1998 Kay Long, Broken Arrow
1997 George Abshire, Jenks
1996 Stephen Smallwood, Broken Bow
1995 Linda Kay Webb, Broken Arrow
1994 Mary Jane Bassett, Woodward
1993 Betsy Mabry, Enid
1992 Rhonda Harryman, Edmond
1991 Marilyn King, Stillwater
1990 Eugene Earsom, Moore
1989 Mike Adkins, Moore
1988 Dale Long, Oologah-Talala
1987 Geraldine Burns, Fairview
1986 Jane Kennedy, Yukon
1985 Barbara Smith, Miami
1984 Gwen Pasby, Elk City
1983 Nancy O’Donnell, Perry
1982 Kathlyn Reynolds, Putnam City
1981 Alice Gregg, Okay
1980 Sherry Morgan, Sand Springs
1979 Frances Herron, Altus
1978 Pat Kellogg Roller, Ada
1977 June Richardson, Duncan
1976 Wilda Walker, Enid
1975 Maralene Wesner, Idabel
1974 Valerie Carolina, Wewoka
1973 Frankie Minton, Lindsay
1972 Vernice Ware, Bartlesville
1971 Albert Clark, Enid
1970 Ruby Browning, Grove
1969 Trudy McFarland, Stillwater
1968 Edward Hennessee, Lawton
1967 Evelyn Findley Williamson, Oklahoma City
1966 Helen Cosgrove, Norman
1965 Sam Evans, Oklahoma College for Women
1964 Lawana Trout, Sand Springs
1963 Bona Gordey, Tulsa
1962 Flossie Beckett, Lindsay
1961 James Jenkins, Oklahoma City
1960 Mary Gillentine, Ron School
1959 Edna Donley, Alva
1958 Helen White, Duncan
1957 A.B. Herring, Prague
1956 Mary Lawrence, Claremore
1955 Ethel Briggs, Barnsdall
OKLAHOMA’S PAST TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
www.sde.state.ok.us • 2500 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-4599

DEADLINE:
2011 Oklahoma
Teacher of the Year,
Elizabeth Smith
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2011
2012 OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR
APPLICATION PACKET & PROGRAM GUIDE
OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
www.sde.state.ok.us • 2500 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-4599
CONTENTS
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Program ............................................................................ i
Edward C. Joullian III Scholarship ....................................................................................... iii
Sponsors of the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Program .............................................. iv
Oklahoma Regions .................................................................................................................. vii
Program Timeline .................................................................................................................... viii
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Portfolio ............................................................................ ix
Statement of Nomination ................................................................................................ 1
Basic Data Sheet ................................................................................................................ 2
Educational History and Professional Development................................................. 3
Assurance Statement ....................................................................................................... 5
Photograph ......................................................................................................................... 6
Professional Biography .................................................................................................... 7
Community Involvement................................................................................................. 9
Professional Statements
Philosophy of Teaching ............................................................................................ 10
Education Issues and Trends .................................................................................. 12
The Teaching Profession .......................................................................................... 14
Success Story in Oklahoma ...................................................................................... 16
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year ...................................................................................... 18
Letters of Endorsement ................................................................................................... 19
Great Oklahoma teachers challenge, motivate, and inspire their students to do their
best; they make learning exciting, engaging, and continuous; they are respected by
their peers as well as local school officials, parents, and students; they are caring
and creative, seeking to enrich the lives of their students and build a better future
for us all. Honor teachers at the local level by participating in the Oklahoma Teacher
of the Year Program. This packet shows you how!
OKLAHOMA RECOGNIZES GREAT TEACHERS!
Direct all questions to Erin Gray Nation
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Program
(405) 521-3346
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
The Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Program is coordinated through the office of the State
Superintendent of Public Instruction, Janet Barresi. The program is in conjunction with the National
Teacher of the Year Program sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers and the ING
Foundation.
A year-long ambassadorship is included in the list of awards. The State Legislature provided
funding for a full-time certified teacher in the classroom in order to allow the Oklahoma Teacher of
the Year to represent teachers as he or she travels across Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma State Fair Board established the Edward C. Joullian III $5,000 Scholarship to
be awarded to a high school senior in the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year’s school district. The
eleventh scholarship winner will be announced at the Oklahoma Youth Exposition, March 2011.
This scholarship was established to encourage students to continue their education, recognize the
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year’s school district, and celebrate the contributions of Mr. Joullian to
the lives of Oklahoma’s young people.
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
All Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 classroom teachers in state-accredited schools are
eligible for nomination. It is important that every teacher be given the opportunity to participate in
this recognition process. No minimum years of teaching experience is required to be qualified for
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.
Nominees should be exceptionally skillful and dedicated classroom teachers who are
planning to continue in an active teaching status. According to the director of the National Teacher
of the Year Program, a classroom teacher is one who teaches a group of students every day within
the confines of the classroom and does not have administrative duties. Nominees should
communicate effectively and demonstrate creative and imaginative teaching on a day-to-day basis.
The nominee should have the ability to inspire the value of learning in students of all backgrounds
and abilities and assure academic success. Nominations should be made without regard to age, sex,
race, or religion.
SELECTION PROCESS
At the local district level, the Teacher of the Year program is coordinated through the
district superintendent. It is the responsibility of the district superintendent to make sure that
every teacher is given the opportunity to participate in the recognition process. It is important to
emphasize that the search is not for “the best teacher,” but for one who exemplifies the finest in the
profession.
i
LOCAL DISTRICT SELECTION PROCESS
The local school district determines the local selection process and announces the local
Teacher of the Year.
REGIONAL SELECTION COMMITTEES
There are six regional committees that meet in June to review all portfolios received and to
select twelve finalists, two from each region. A list of counties by region is enclosed. The twelve
finalists are announced in July.
STATE SELECTION COMMITTEE
The state committee will follow procedures identified below for each finalist in order to
select the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year:
 Conduct an interview,
 View a DVD of classroom teaching. Each of the twelve regional finalists will be responsible for
submitting a ten-minute DVD of classroom teaching in early September 2011. If the local
district does not have taping capabilities, assistance will be provided by the Oklahoma State
Department of Education (each finalist may view previous Oklahoma Teacher of the Year videos
upon request), and
 Recommend the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year to the State Superintendent.
STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
The State Superintendent announces in September the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year who
will serve as the Oklahoma Ambassador of Teaching.
The State Superintendent presents the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year to the State Board of
Education.
The State Superintendent nominates the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year to the Council of
Chief State School Officers National Teacher of the Year Program in November.
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR RECOGNITION
The Oklahoma Teacher of the Year serves as Oklahoma Ambassador of Teaching,
representing Oklahoma in the national competition by sharing knowledge and resources with fellow
educators around the state and encouraging education as a profession.
ii
EDWARD C. JOULLIAN III SCHOLARSHIP
As chairman of the State Fair Board of Directors for ten years, Edward C.
Joullian III honorably served the state of Oklahoma. As a founder of the
partnership between the Teacher of the Year program and the Oklahoma State
Fair, he has shown his dedication to the education of the children of this great
state. The Edward C. Joullian III Scholarship was established by the State Fair
Board to encourage students to continue their education, recognize the State
Teacher of the Year’s school district, and celebrate the contributions of Mr.
Joullian to the lives of Oklahoma’s young people.
In 1998, the $5,000 scholarship was unveiled during the State Teacher of
the Year recognition ceremony and is awarded annually during the Oklahoma
Youth Exposition to a graduating senior from the Teacher of the Year’s school
district. It is awarded based upon a student’s overall scholastic, leadership,
and civic potential.
2010 Scholarship Winner
Taylor Elise Johnson
Edison Preparatory High School, Tulsa Public Schools
Previous Winners
2009 Alejandra Campos, Northwest Classen High School, Oklahoma City Public Schools
2008 Ashley Dea Owens, Shawnees High School, Shawnee Public Schools
2007 John Hammons, Muskogee High School, Muskogee Public Schools
2006 Thelma Ramirez, Classen School of Advanced Studies, Oklahoma City Public Schools
2005 Tiffany Romasanta, Grove High School, Grove Public Schools
2004 Angela Jefferson, Muskogee High School, Muskogee Public Schools
2003 Amber Lynn Allison, Union High School, Union Public Schools
2002 Adam Moss, Charles Page High School, Sand Springs Public Schools
2001 Ike Akinwande, Southeast High School, Oklahoma City Public Schools
2000 Magdalena Jurkiewicz, Bartlesville High School, Bartlesville Public Schools
1999 Jamie Ann Mathew, Jenks High School, Jenks Public Schools
iii
SPONSORS OF THE
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
GOLD SPONSORS
American Fidelity Educational Services/Oklahoma City Thunder
Two courtside tickets to Oklahoma City Thunder game and on-floor recognition (finalists)
$2,500 tuition credit toward graduate classes, certification program, or professional development
$500 credit for a “Classroom Make-Over”
Two tickets to four home Oklahoma City Thunder basketball games
On-floor recognition at one Oklahoma City Thunder game
Two appearances with Oklahoma City Thunder players at “Read to Achieve” presentations in schools
(state teacher)
eInstruction™
32-pad Classroom Performance System (CPS) valued at $4,000, Mobi interactive tablet
(state teacher)
Masonic Foundation of Oklahoma
$5,000 award (state teacher)
$5,000 award (state teacher’s district)
$1,000 award (finalists)
Personalized Certificates (local teachers of the year)
Luncheon for State Selection Committee and 12 finalists
Oklahoma Schools Insurance Group
Laptop computer (state teacher)
Oklahoma State Fair
Ceremony/brunch, State Fair admission, and certificates of acknowledgment,
(state teacher, finalists, and local teachers of the year)
acrylic apples (finalists)
Framed certificate (state teacher)
Oklahoma State Fair Board
$5,000 Edward C. Joullian III Scholarship
(High School Senior from state teacher’s school district)
SMART™ Technologies
One-year school site license for SMART Ideas™ concept-mapping software
One session of professional development for 5-20 educators within Honoree’s school (finalists)
SMART Board™ 680 with Unifi™ 45 projector
SMART document camera, Notebook software
Unlimited school site license for SMART Ideas concept-mapping software
AirLiner™ wireless slate
Two-year, five-user subscription for Bridgit™ conferencing software
Computer lab license for SynchronEyes™ classroom management software
Senteo™ interactive response system (one class set—32 units)
(state teacher)
SMARTer Kids™ Foundation
Full-day group technology training
Six-hour small group workshop
One seat in a SMART™ Master Training Event each year for five years
(state teacher)
John Vance Auto Group with the Oklahoma State Fair
Use of a Ford Escape for one year (state teacher)
iv
SILVER SPONSORS
American Fidelity Educational Services
$100 gift card, collection of gifts
(finalists)
$1,000 gift card, collection of gifts
The Teacher’s Desk, Greg Burns print
(state teacher)
Marvin Stokes Endowed Lecture at East Central University
$1,750 stipend (state teacher)
Oklahoma Education Association
One year of professional services (state teacher)
Luncheon, trophy (finalists)
Trophy (state teacher, finalists)
Professional Oklahoma Educators
One year of professional services, commemorative plaque, bouquet of roses
(state teacher)
Commemorative plaques (finalists)
Travel mugs (teachers of the year)
Stillwater National Bank and Trust
$1,000 cash award (state teacher)
BRONZE SPONSORS
American Federation of Teachers - Oklahoma
$500 cash award and one-year honorary membership (state teacher)
Midwest Trophy Manufacturing Company
Teacher of the Year crystal trophy award (state teacher)
National State Teachers of the Year, Oklahoma Chapter
Diamond Teacher of the Year lapel pin (state teacher)
Oklahoma City National Memorial
Commemorative gifts (finalists)
Oklahoma Educators Credit Union
Tote bags (local teachers of the year)
Oklahoma Zoological Society
One-year family membership to the Oklahoma City Zoo (finalists)
Gift basket and one-year family membership (state teacher)
Oklahoma Historical Society
Family membership (finalists)
Book: “Images of History” by Bob Blackburn and Jim Argo and friend membership (state teacher)
v
UNIVERSITY TUITION WAIVERS
Northeastern State University
36 hours graduate tuition wavier (state teacher)
Oklahoma State University
36 hours graduate tuition waiver (state teacher)
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
$500 tuition waiver (teachers of the year)
$3,000 tuition waiver (state teacher)
University of Central Oklahoma
36 hours graduate tuition waiver (state teacher)
University of Oklahoma
36 hours graduate tuition waiver,
16 hours undergraduate tuition waiver for son/daughter or local student
(state teacher)
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
Full tuition waiver for one academic year for son/daughter or local student
(state teacher)
NATIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR SPONSORS
Council of Chief State School Officers
ING Foundation
Target
vi
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
REGIONS
(REVISED IN 2009)
vii
Beckham Jackson
Caddo Jefferson
Carter Kiowa
Cleveland Love
Comanche McClain
Cotton Stephens
Grady Tillman
Greer Washita
Harmon
SOUTHWEST—III
Oklahoma County
SOUTH CENTRAL—II
NORTHWEST—I
Alfalfa Kay
Beaver Kingfisher
Blaine Logan
Canadian Major
Cimarron Noble
Custer Roger Mills
Dewey Payne
Ellis Texas
Garfield Woods
Grant Woodward
Harper
Adair Okmulgee
Cherokee Osage
Craig Ottawa
Creek Pawnee
Delaware Rogers
Lincoln Wagoner
Mayes Washington
Muskogee
Nowata
Okfuskee
NORTHEAST—IV
NORTH CENTRAL—V
Tulsa County
SOUTHEAST—VI
Atoka Marshall
Bryan McCurtain
Choctaw McIntosh
Coal Murray
Garvin Pittsburg
Haskell Pontotoc
Hughes Pottawatomie
Johnston Pushmataha
Latimer Seminole
LeFlore Sequoyah
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
2012
PROGRAM TIMELINE
June 3, 2011 2012 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year nominations closed.
Portfolios must be postmarked or delivered by this date.
June 2011 Regional Selection Committee meeting
Twelve finalists selected.
July 2011 Twelve finalists and superintendents introduced.
September 2011 State Selection Committee meeting
Twelve finalists participate in two interviews and one round table panel at
State Department of Education for selection of Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.
September 2011 2012 Recognition Ceremony—State Fair—Oklahoma City
All nominees recognized.
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year announced.
September 2011 - Oklahoma Teacher of the Year serves as Oklahoma Ambassador of
September 2012 Teaching
November 2011 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year nominated to National Teacher of the Year
Program
Portfolio due in Washington, D.C.
March 2012 Oklahoma Youth Exposition—State Fair—Oklahoma City
Edward C. Joullian III Scholarship awarded to a high school senior in the
school district of the reigning Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.
Direct all questions to Erin Gray Nation
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Program
(405) 521-3346
viii
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
2012
PORTFOLIO
To participate for recognition only, submit items 1, 2, and 4. A binder/notebook is not required.
To participate for state competition, submit all items in portfolio form. The portfolio must be on 8 1/2-
by 11-inch paper, placed in a binder/notebook, and organized in numerical order. All essay sections
must be typed in 12-point standard font (i.e. Arial, Verdana, Times New Roman), double-spaced with one
-inch margins around each page. You may include dividers; however, photographs or other information
included in the portfolio will not affect judging. Judges request that you follow instructions carefully
and maintain a professional format. The portfolio must include the following:
1. Statement of Nomination from the local school district, signed by the superintendent—Form enclosed.
2. Basic Data Sheet—Form enclosed.
3. Educational History and Professional Development Activities—List and date your participation in
professional organizations, service on committees, commissions, task forces, and presentations.
(Limit response to two [2] double-spaced page.)
4. Assurance Statement signed by the superintendent—Form enclosed.
5. A photograph—One (1) photo of yourself suitable for publication and press release. A 5– by 7–inch
size is required by the National Teacher of the Year program. Please do not adhere picture to the
page. Color photos are preferable to black and white. A professional-style photograph is
recommended by the judges.
6. Professional Biography—What were the factors that influenced you to become a teacher? Describe
what you consider to be your greatest contributions and accomplishments in education.
(Limit response to two [2] double-spaced pages.)
7. Community Involvement—Describe your commitment to your community though service-oriented
activities including volunteer work, civic responsibilities, and other group activities. (Limit response
to one [1] double-spaced page.)
8. Professional Statements written by the nominee.
A. State your Philosophy of Teaching—Describe your personal feelings and beliefs about
teaching, including your own ideas of what makes an outstanding teacher. Describe the
rewards you find in teaching. How are your beliefs about teaching demonstrated in your
personal teaching style? (Limit response to two [2] double-spaced pages.)
B. Education Issues and Trends—What do you consider to be the major public education issues
today? Address one in depth, outlining possible causes, effects, and resolutions. (Limit
response to two [2] double-spaced pages.)
C. The Teaching Profession—What do you do to strengthen and improve the teaching
profession? What is and/or what should be the basis for accountability in the teaching
profession? (Limit response to two [2] double-spaced pages.)
ix
D. Success Story in Oklahoma—Identify an initiative that has increased student learning in your
district/school and describe why you think it has been successful. (Limit response to two
[2] double-spaced pages.)
9. Oklahoma Teacher of the Year—As the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, you would serve as a
spokesperson and representative for the entire teaching profession. What would be your message?
What would you communicate to professional educators and to the general public? (Limit response
to one [1] double-spaced page.)
10. Letters of Endorsement—At least three (3), no more than six (6) letters, supporting your nomination
from superintendents, principals, colleagues, parents, students, or civic leaders. (Each letter should
be a maximum of one [1] page.)
Judges strongly recommend that you have your work edited carefully by an objective individual.
Grammatical mistakes do affect how the portfolio is judged.
An electronic version of the documents is available at . Click on “Site
Index” at the top of the homepage. Select “T” for “Teacher of the Year,” then choose “Teacher of the
Year Process.”
Please do not include additional materials other than those listed.
DVDS are not to be submitted until selected as a Finalist.
DIRECTIONS FOR SUBMITTING PORTFOLIO
Portfolios must be received by or postmarked no later than Friday, June 3, 2011.
Submit one original portfolio to:
Direct questions to:
*Note: Portfolios may then be picked up at the Teacher of the Year Ceremony in September. All
portfolios that are not picked up will be mailed to the Local District Teacher of the Year in October.
x
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Program
Oklahoma State Department of Education
2500 North Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 213
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-4599
Erin Gray Nation
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Program
Oklahoma State Department of Education
Phone: (405) 521-3346
E-mail:
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
2012
STATEMENT OF NOMINATION
The _____________________________________________ School District in the
(Name of School District)
County of ______________________________________________________________________________
(Name of County)
places the following teacher in nomination for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year for 2012.
Nominee’s Name Mr. / Ms. / Dr. ____________________________________________________
Circle Title First Last
School Site Name _________________________________________________________________
Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, or High School
School Address ___________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address
___________________________________________________________________
City Zip Code
School Phone ____________________________________________________________________
Area Code
Newspaper where you would like your Teacher of the Year ceremony picture sent:
________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Superintendent
_____________________________________________________
Date
1
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
2012
BASIC DATA SHEET
Please only use the form provided. An electronic copy can be found at < http://www.sde.state.ok.us>.
Click on “Site Index” at the top of the homepage. Select “T” for “Teacher of the Year,” then choose
“Teacher of the Year Process.”
Name of Nominee Mr. / Ms. / Dr._____________________________________ Region (circle) I II III IV V VI
Circle Title
Home Phone Number (______)____________________ Cell Phone Number (______)____________________
Home Address __________________________________________________________________________________
Street Address City/State Zip Code
School E-mail Address ___________________________________________________________________________
Summer E-mail Address __________________________________________________________________________
Achieved National Board Certification ____ Yes ____ No ____ In Process
List Area(s) of National Board Certification _______________________________________________________
School Site Name ______________________________________ School Site Level(s) _____________________
Grade Level Taught ____________________________________
Subject(s) _______________________________________________________________________________________
Years in Present Position _______________________________ Total Years of Experience ______________
Name of Superintendent Mr. / Ms. / Dr.___________________________________________________________
Circle Title First Last
Superintendent��s Summer Phone Number (______)____________________
Name of Principal Mr. / Ms. / Dr.__________________________________________________________________
Circle Title First Last
Principal’s Summer Phone Number (______)____________________
2
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION (LIST MOST RECENT FIRST)
Name of College or University Dates Attended Degree Earned (i.e., B.A. in Math)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Name of High School Attended City/State
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
EMPLOYMENT RECORD OF SERVICE (LIST MOST RECENT FIRST)
Name of School District Position Held Dates
(Include Grade Level and Subject Area)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS (LIST MOST RECENT FIRST)
Name Position Held Dates
(Include Offices held and other relevant activities)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
3
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (PAGE 2)
LEADERSHIP IN STAFF DEVELOPMENT (LIST MOST RECENT FIRST)
Title Position Held Dates
(Include Leadership in the training of future teachers)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
AWARDS AND OTHER RECOGNITION OF TEACHING
(LIST MOST RECENT FIRST)
Title Dates
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
I hereby give my permission that any or all of the materials/DVD may be shared with persons
interested in promoting the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Program.
Signature __________________________________________________________
4
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
2012
ASSURANCE STATEMENT
The undersigned hereby assures that ______________________________________________________
is a full-time classroom teacher without administrative duties who expects to continue in an active
teaching position in the _______________________________________________ School District during the
2011-2012 school year.
It is understood that if our local teacher of the year is selected to be a finalist, he/she will be
required to submit a DVD, not to exceed ten (10) minutes of classroom teaching, and attend
interview sessions with the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Selection Committee to be held at the
Oklahoma State Department of Education, Oliver Hodge Education Building, Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma in September 2011.
In addition, Oklahoma’s Teacher of the Year will also be Oklahoma’s Ambassador of
Teaching. As Ambassador, the teacher will share his or her knowledge and resources with fellow
educators around the state. It is understood that if our local teacher of the year is selected as
Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, he/she will be released from his/her classroom duties. The State
Legislature has funded the Oklahoma Ambassador of Teaching position to provide for a full-time
certified teacher for the boys and girls in the classroom of Oklahoma’s Teacher of the Year.
_____________________________________________________________
Superintendent’s Signature
_____________________________________________________________
School District Name
_____________________________________________________________
Date
5
PHOTOGRAPH
One (1) photo of yourself suitable for publication; a 5– by 7-inch size is required by the
National Teacher of the year program. Please do not adhere picture to the page.
6
PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY—(Limit your response to two [2] double-s paced pages.)
What were the factors that influenced you to become a teacher? Describe what you consider
to be your greatest contributions and accomplishments in education.
7
PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY (PAGE 2)
8
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT—(Limit your response to one [1] double-s paced page.)
Describe your commitment to your community through service-oriented activities including
volunteer work, civic responsibilities, and other group activities.
9
PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING—(Limit your response to two [2] double- spaced pages.)
Describe your personal feelings and beliefs about teaching, including your own ideas of what
makes an outstanding teacher. Describe the rewards you find in teaching. How are your
beliefs about teaching demonstrated in your personal teaching style?
10
PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING (PAGE 2)
11
EDUCATION ISSUES AND TRENDS—(Limit your response to two [2] double- spaced pages.)
What do you consider to be the major public education issues today? Address one in-depth,
outlining possible causes, effects, and resolutions.
12
EDUCATION ISSUES AND TRENDS (PAGE 2)
13
THE TEACHING PROFESSION—(Limit your response to two [2] double-s paced pages.)
What do you do to strengthen and improve the teaching profession? What is and/or what
should be the basis for accountability in the teaching profession?
14
THE TEACHING PROFESSION (PAGE 2)
15
SUCCESS STORY IN OKLAHOMA—(Limit your response to two [2] double- spaced pages.)
Identify an initiative that has increased student learning in your district/school. Describe
why you think it has been successful.
16
SUCCESS STORY IN OKLAHOMA (PAGE 2)
17
OKLAHOMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR—(Limit your response to one [1] double- spaced page.)
As Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, you would serve as a spokesperson and representative for
the entire teaching profession. What would be your message? What would you
communicate to professional educators and to the general public?
18
LETTERS OF ENDORSEMENT—(Each a maximum of one [1] page.)
Include at least three (3), no more than six (6) letters, supporting your nomination from
superintendents, principals, administrators, colleagues, parents, students/former students,
or civic leaders.
19
LETTERS OF ENDORSEMENT
(Each a maximum of one [1] page.)
20
LETTERS OF ENDORSEMENT
(Each a maximum of one [1] page.)
21
2011 Elizabeth Smith, Byng
2010 Brian Grimm, Tulsa
2009 Heather Sparks, Oklahoma City
2008 Stephanie Canada, Shawnee
2007 Linda-Hasler Reid, Muskogee
2006 Robyn Hilger, Oklahoma City
2005 Susan Illgen, Grove
2004 Cindy Ball, Muskogee
2003 James Kerr, Union
2002 Mike Bynum, Sand Springs
2001 Talita DeNegri, Oklahoma City
2000 Mitsuye Conover, Bartlesville
1999 Lynn Peacher, Jenks
1998 Kay Long, Broken Arrow
1997 George Abshire, Jenks
1996 Stephen Smallwood, Broken Bow
1995 Linda Kay Webb, Broken Arrow
1994 Mary Jane Bassett, Woodward
1993 Betsy Mabry, Enid
1992 Rhonda Harryman, Edmond
1991 Marilyn King, Stillwater
1990 Eugene Earsom, Moore
1989 Mike Adkins, Moore
1988 Dale Long, Oologah-Talala
1987 Geraldine Burns, Fairview
1986 Jane Kennedy, Yukon
1985 Barbara Smith, Miami
1984 Gwen Pasby, Elk City
1983 Nancy O’Donnell, Perry
1982 Kathlyn Reynolds, Putnam City
1981 Alice Gregg, Okay
1980 Sherry Morgan, Sand Springs
1979 Frances Herron, Altus
1978 Pat Kellogg Roller, Ada
1977 June Richardson, Duncan
1976 Wilda Walker, Enid
1975 Maralene Wesner, Idabel
1974 Valerie Carolina, Wewoka
1973 Frankie Minton, Lindsay
1972 Vernice Ware, Bartlesville
1971 Albert Clark, Enid
1970 Ruby Browning, Grove
1969 Trudy McFarland, Stillwater
1968 Edward Hennessee, Lawton
1967 Evelyn Findley Williamson, Oklahoma City
1966 Helen Cosgrove, Norman
1965 Sam Evans, Oklahoma College for Women
1964 Lawana Trout, Sand Springs
1963 Bona Gordey, Tulsa
1962 Flossie Beckett, Lindsay
1961 James Jenkins, Oklahoma City
1960 Mary Gillentine, Ron School
1959 Edna Donley, Alva
1958 Helen White, Duncan
1957 A.B. Herring, Prague
1956 Mary Lawrence, Claremore
1955 Ethel Briggs, Barnsdall
OKLAHOMA’S PAST TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
www.sde.state.ok.us • 2500 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-4599